AN angler has been fined more than £1,300 by magistrates after he got into an argument over fishing.

Jackson Davies, 19, failed to appear at Newport Magistrates Court yesterday but was handed the fine by magistrates.

The court heard how Davies, of High Street, Pontypridd, had been fishing in the river Usk on private land near Newbridge on July 29 when the offences happened.

Ian Jones, an officer employed by Natural Resources Wales, came by the scene at around 1.20pm after seeing two cars parked up.

Mr Jones approached the men and asked to check their fishing licences, to which Davies said he had left his at home. Mr Jones said he could tell Davies “did not like” his presence.

Mr Jones seized Davies’ fishing equipment and then ran checks which showed Davies had been lying and did not have a licence. Davies also lied about his address.

The court heard how Davies then started to try and run away from the scene.

Prosecutor Mohammed Yakub, for Natural Resources Wales, said: “He became aggressive. He said, you can’t arrest me, you have got no power.

“He tried to walk past and to get to the gate.”

Mr Jones said Davies’ face was getting red and his voice was loud and aggressive.”

A scuffle ensued and Davies was tackled to the ground. He was restrained until police officers arrived at around 2pm.

Yesterday Natural Resources Wales prosecuted Davies for four offences. Davies did not enter a plea but the offences were proved in his absence.

He was fined for fishing in the river Usk without a licence, using a piece of equipment called a spinner which is banned, obstruct an enforcement officer including resisting arrest and the attempted theft of fish.

Magistrates had the power to impose fines of more than £20,000.

But they fined Davies a total of £1,301.

The biggest fines were £440 for obstructing the officer and £440 for the attempt to steal fish.